Training camp in the past as Owls begin preparation for UAB

“It’s a big difference from camp when you are going through the same thing and everybody is walking around like zombies,” fullback Xavier Stinson about Tuesday’s practice, the first in which FAU is preparing for a real opponent.

“Now we have really something to look forward too. Everybody came out with a little more fight in them; a little more aggressiveness.”

The Owls started their preparation for the season opener at UAB next Thursday.

“This being the first official day of preparation for the opening ballgame, the kids took on a new joy practicing football,” Howard Schnellenberger said.

“We are encouraged. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. More injured players are returning to the roster than are leaving the roster.”

Among those returning: Jimmie Colley and Mike Nweze, the top two centers on the depth chart following a rash of injuries at the position. Colley missed two weeks and Nweze was injured during Saturday’s scrimmage.

Howard top Owl at Hooters

Hooters in Boca Raton is the new home of the Howard Schnellenberger show. The first show will be held next Tuesday before continuing each week on Thursdays.

The show will be aired on ESPN760 and hosted by Ken LaVicka.

South Florida game time set

With the announcement that the Nov. 2 game at South Florida will kick off at 7 p.m., the only game time yet to be determined is the Nov. 20 game at Texas.